High quality mics for vocals/acoutic guitar (Neumann TLM 103, Rode NTV, etc.)?

[Nowhere Man]

Greetings,
I must get a good microphone in the near future for use with my VS-880EX and need some opinions and insights on what to go with. I have decided to just drop some extra cash and get something of fairly high quality so I have no regrets down the road. I need this mic for vocals and acoustic guitar work. At this point, mics such as the Neumann TLM-193 (a bit too expensive) TLM-103, and Rode NTV are at the top of my list. What do you think about these? Anything else should I consider? Also, I know the Rode is a tube mic and the 103 does not have a bass rolloff switch; how would these aspects factor into my purchase? I don't record in a subway tunnel so I don't think the bass rolloff is that big a deal, right? Finally, what is an appropriate pre-amp to run one of these through? I was thinking about a small Mackie mixer, but I really don't know! Thanks for any help with any of these questions!

 

[Ginga]

Having just gone through the experience of purchasing a 'Good' condenser mic and affordable Pre-amp, I may be able to help you out here. I had done quite a bit of A/B testing with the following mics: Shure, Rodes, AKG, CAD, AT, and a few others listing at around the $1200 mark or under, and found that I couldn't resist the value and sonic quality of the TLM 103. I too was a little concerned about the lack of polar patterns and roll off on the TLM 103, but this was in part relieved when I purchased my pre amp with 80 hz roll off on the unit. I decided to go with the Presonus MP-20 dual channel Mic pre, and I must say the the combination is sounding fantastic. When I can afford a better Pre, I'll put much more money into it and get something high end, but right now the MP-20 delivers what I need. It also does a good job as a dual high end DI box. A Microphone that you may want to test your ears on that in my opinion provides great value for the dollar is the AT 4047SV. I was so impressed with the Mic that I picked up one of these after deciding on the TLM 103, as my second condensor mic, and have to say it is a great sounding mic with good presence and high output. So there you go, hope this helps.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nowhere Man:
Greetings,
I must get a good microphone in the near future for use with my VS-880EX and need some opinions and insights on what to go with. I have decided to just drop some extra cash and get something of fairly high quality so I have no regrets down the road. I need this mic for vocals and acoustic guitar work. At this point, mics such as the Neumann TLM-193 (a bit too expensive) TLM-103, and Rode NTV are at the top of my list. What do you think about these? Anything else should I consider? Also, I know the Rode is a tube mic and the 103 does not have a bass rolloff switch; how would these aspects factor into my purchase? I don't record in a subway tunnel so I don't think the bass rolloff is that big a deal, right? Finally, what is an appropriate pre-amp to run one of these through? I was thinking about a small Mackie mixer, but I really don't know! Thanks for any help with any of these questions!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[bwindsor]

Just went through the same thing, and narrowed my choices down to the same two mics
(Rode NTV and Neumann TLM103) I ended up choosing the Rode: a)very slightly "rounder" sound,while still retaining a nice top end, and I felt this would suit a wider "variety" of sources; b)price just dropped drastically; c) wanted one tube condenser for the studio; d) Neumann shock mount was an added expense (over $275. Canadian---c'mon!)
e) Neumann will probably still be available at current price in the future, not sure about the Rode, especially after aformentioned price reduction...could be discontinued? f) was a bit concerned about using TLM103 on sources such as female vocals, due to the presence boost...can you say crisp! g) sounded a bit better with my voice
Don't get me wrong, I really liked the 103 for some applications, ,and plan on purchasing one this summer. On bassy, lower register vocals it was stunning! Rich sounding acoustics, same...As always, it depends on the source and it's natural tone, voice or instrument.
Either way, you can't go wrong, these are both good value for the $ mics!

Of course, your ears may vary,

BW